Hoard studied to become a music educator at Berklee College of Music and for over two years he operated in his field of study at the Hyde Square Task Force as vocal instructor to urban adolescents of diverse cultures. Since, Jonathan has volunteered as music director for Do the Right Thing, a non-profit specialized in assisting at risk teenage girls. Afterward, he ventured to teach elementary aged students at KidsArts! in Boston, MA before relocating to NYC where he now serves as music instructor for Roads To Success. In addition, he was been selected to oversee the historic Ephesus SDA’s Youth Choir in Harlem late 2013 and has served as the choir’s director since. As result of vocal performances as both lead (J. Hoard & The Greenhouse People) and background singer (The Love Experiment, Mario Castro Quintet, and Rashad McPherson & Divine Purpose) J. Hoard has been given opportunities to perform and record with Grammy award artists and producers such as Regina Bell, Tracy Pierce, Richard Smallwood, Kierra Sheard, Kim Burrell, Talib Kweli, and many more. His opportunities have mostly come through his background work with gospel artist Rashad McPherson & DivinePURPOSE, his father-Stellar nominated, Ronald Hoard, and alma mater, Berklee College of Music. Moreover, his gift has allowed him to travel to Europe, Canada, Puerto Rico and Dominican Republic. J. Hoard is all about sharing the wealth, his private vocal lessons and classroom skills have allowed him to enhance the interest and craft of local and international professional vocalists. In conclusion, J. Hoard is a singer, songwriter, composer and teacher who’s heart beats for music…people… and life itself.

Reginald Chapman (USA) – Trombone

Born in Williamsburg, Va., Reginald Chapman is an instrumentalist, composer, and educator. As a “frequent presence in big bands, orchestras, and alternative rock groups, Reggie has made an indelible mark as a [bass] trombonist with a huge sound, a taste for exploration and an affinity for playing from the heart.” -RVA News Jazz Chapman is currently touring internationally with No B.S. Brass and finishing his doctoral work at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign where he is a teaching assistant under Jim Pugh.

In a very short time, Rachel Therrien has managed to stand out as a trumpet player and composer not only on the local Quebec music scene but internationally as well. Inspired by her experiences around the world to create music with her own personal sound. She has been a professional musician for most of her life, playing in a variety of musical styles.

Rachel holds a bachelor’s degree in jazz performance from University of Montreal. After her studies, she relocated to Havana, Cuba for one year to study classical music, latin jazz and percussion at the Instituto Supérior de Arte. She was also selected for the Jazz and Creative Music workshop held at the Banff Centre, in Alberta Canada, where she had the opportunity to learn from many musicians including Dave Douglas. In New York, she has taken classes with John McNeill, Laurie Frink, Jonathan Finlayson and Clarence Penn.

Outside of leading her own band, Rachel has had the pleasure to work with such artists as Wesli, Pedrito Martinez, Vic Vogel, Remi Bolduc, Oliver Jones, Carole Welsman, Anancaona de Cuba, Klimax, Michel Legrand, Ginette Reno, Alex Bellegarde, Rember Duharte and Nomadic Massive among others.The creative young trumpet player is as well knew for her musical abilities as well as her rigorous work ethic. With her team of up and coming players from Montreal she communicates her passion and world traveler experience to her audience who usually begs for more at the end of each concert.

From Sherbrooke, Alex Dodier began his musical education at 9 years old and form his first jazz group in high school. He studied at Université de Sherbrooke for a whole year and then moved to Montréal. He received Scholarships for both his entrance audition and his degree at Université de Montréal. Solist for the Big Band of the Université de Montréal, Alex played with some influent artists as: Ingrid Jensen, Alain Caron, Paul Brochu, Michel Donato, Maria Schneider, David Liebman, Donny Mcaslin et David Binney.